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ARSENAL VERSUS NAPOLI : A PREVIEW

In september, when the draws were made for the Champions League group stage were made, the gooners were placed in a group pf death and many pundits were already writing off arsenal’s chances especially in the aftermath of the 3-1 opening day defeat to Aston Villa.

Five weeks later, the story has changed, if nt dramatically. The gooners are on the high, playing well getting results and have a Welsh Wizard that any ball he kicks turns to a goal. Five straight premier league victories, 8 straight victories in all competitions , 12 consecutive away victories, the records keep falling at the feet of the gooners.

However, we must not forget how important this Champions League game is, infact the next two. Home victories over Napoli and Dortmund would give the club a lot of assurances on qualification. Napoli would not roll over, with Rafael Benitez, they have an experienced coach who has recruited wisely. Gonzalo Higuian, Jose Callejon, Raul Albiol and Pepe Reina are proving quality additions.

” we are in a tough group, if you look at the teams- Marseille, Dortmund , Napoli and us….for us it is vital to continue our run….He (Benitez) is a top class manager, he has proven that , so when you are confronted with his teams, you knew it would always be difficult . but we are up for it, we want to do it and we have the confidence to do it”

The spainard would be expected to line up with a 4-2-1-3 formation, Gokhan Inler and Valon Behrami are expected to be the enforcers in the team, and with Lorenzo Insigne, Marek Hamsik and Jose Callejon playing behind Gonzalo Higuain, goal would not be hard to come by and the arsenal defence would have to be alert.

To injury news, one postive news, Tomas Rosicky is back in training and would be in the squad. however, there is still a long list of injury, carzola, chamberlain, podolski, diaby, walcott are all members of that list.

Expected Line up : I don’t think that Arsene would change the team that lined up against Swansea, so we could see 18 yr old German, Serge Gnabry continue his brilliant form on the right side of attack.

Ozil would make his home champions league debut and his second appearance overall in the Emirates.

The game would not be a stroll in the park, but with the Wizard of Oz (Ozil), Serge Gnabry, “the bubi Ozil” (baby Ozil) and Hurricane Rambo in great form, I smell 3 points #coyg